Periods is a monthly affair to every woman in the world still the word period is not discussed openly as it is seen as a taboo and a lot of stigma is attached to it. Every year, World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on May 28. This day aims to create awareness about menstrual hygiene to girls and women worldwide. The most common menstrual product is sanitary pads/napkins as many of the women still not have access to menstrual cups and tampons.
Even if the women have access to tampons and menstrual cups, most of them prefers to use sanitary napkins or pads and you must be wondering why? So here are the answers to your questions:
Sanitary pads are worn externally and it’s purpose is to absorb the blood by externally being there unlike the other two products whose purpose is also to absorb the blood. The Sanitary pads are made with cotton pads or cloth material.
Why women prefer Sanitary Pads?
Sanitary Pads are easy to use and are available in varieties of shapes and sizes and that too depends on the flow of blood whichever you want to use. They can be used for overnight and can be used when you are light leaking.
What are Tampons?
A tampon is also a menstrual hygiene product which also absorbs the blood but it has to be inserted in vagina when you are your period and the size of tampon expands as it soaks the period blood.
Why women don’t use tampons much?
There is no definite way of knowing when you should change a tampon. It also depends on the flow. You will have to remove it and see if it needs a change.
- Tampons are not eco-friendly. The material of a tampon is not biodegradable.
- If you are uncomfortable with having to ‘insert’ an object in your vagina, then tampons are not the product for you.
What are Menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups are of silicone, latex or rubber. These cups are designed to collect blood. These do not absorb any blood but just collect it and you have to empty it at regular intervals (4 to 8 hours, depending on your flow).
- Menstrual Cups can be messy to use because it has to be emptied from time to time. If you are not used to it, it can get messier to clean.
- If you have a rubber or latex allergy, then this is definitely not the option for you.
